Quick summary: Turkish products exist on Amazon. But which ones are actually good, and which ones sell only because of nostalgia? I have been buying and testing them for 3 years and I am writing what I learned. Spoiler: some of my favorites were disappointing.
Let's Be Honest First
When you first come to America, the instinct is this: find every brand you used in Turkey on Amazon and continue your life as if you never left. I understand. I did the same thing.
But some of those "Turkish brand" products are 3-4 times more expensive on Amazon. And some are not as good as you expect. Paying the nostalgia price but not getting the satisfaction.
Now I am going to go category by category: what I can actually recommend, what I cannot, and the alternatives.
Tea: Amazon Wins Here
Caykur and Dogus are on Amazon and the price is reasonable. Compared to Turkey it is high, but if you buy from a local Turkish market it is cheaper. I think this is the most valuable Turkish product you can buy on Amazon because:
- It comes to your door with Prime membership
- It is a consumable product you will buy regularly
- Subscribe & Save gives you extra discount
- Quality is consistent
Caykur Rize Turist on Amazon →
Gulsah's Note: I grew up in Canakkale, and in our house spilling cay was frowned upon. I still drink Caykur here. Is there a difference? Maybe a little. But if you compare it to Lipton, the difference is enormous.
Olives: Is Marmarabirlik Really Worth It?
Short answer: Yes, it is worth it. But conditionally.
Marmarabirlik is on Amazon and it is no different from the olives in Turkey. The problem is price: at a local Turkish market the same can is cheaper. If you can get fresh olives from a vendor (some Turkish shops bring them), that is a different conversation.
But if there is no Turkish market in your city and you cannot live without olives, the Amazon option is a reasonable solution.
Spices: This Is Where It Gets Complicated
Arifoglu pul biber, isot, sumac: they are on Amazon but the price is 3-4 times what you pay in Turkey. Let me say this: in terms of flavor, they cannot be compared to American brands. Turkish spices are different.
But if you have a Turkish or Middle Eastern market in your city, buy your spices there. They are usually both fresher and cheaper.
Warning: If you search "Turkish spices" on Amazon, low quality imitation products can show up. Search by brand name like Arifoglu or Duru.
Pasta and Rice: Duru vs American Brands
Duru bulgur and lentils are on Amazon. Price is a bit high but reasonable. But let me be honest: American bulgur falls behind in quality. In this category, buying a Turkish brand makes a real difference.
Rice is different though: you cannot find the equivalent of Osmancik rice from Turkey. Jasmine rice is nice but it is not Osmancik. We live with this pain.
Cezve and Tea Machine: What Is the Difference Between Arzum and Saki?
I went into this topic in great detail in a separate article. In short: Saki Pro is the best tea machine, Arzum Okka has a known heating issue, and Beko Turkish coffee machine is surprisingly good.
Cheese: Are Sutas and Tahsildaroglu Actually Good on Amazon?
This is a topic people ask about a lot. Sutas and Tahsildaroglu white cheese are sold on Amazon. The price is high but let me tell you: I bought it once more, I was disappointed once more.
Why? The freshness difference. Cheese that comes from Amazon has traveled a long way and the taste is not the same as in Turkey. This is my objective assessment. Buying Turkish cheese from a local Turkish market, international grocery stores, or shops that bring it fresh gives better results.
Conclusion: What I Buy and What I Skip
| Product | Would I Buy From Amazon? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Caykur tea | Yes | Makes sense with Subscribe & Save |
| Marmarabirlik olives | Yes (in cities without a Turkish market) | Cheaper at local Turkish market |
| Duru bulgur/lentils | Yes | Quality difference from American brands |
| Arifoglu spices | Yes (search by brand name) | More expensive than local Middle Eastern market |
| Sutas/Tahsildaroglu cheese | No (usually) | Freshness gap is too big, local is better |
| Cezve/tea machine | Yes | Saki and Beko are reliable |
Some Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. Your price doesn't change. I only recommend products I actually use or have personally tested.
